Four properties in Conway, including popular wedding and event venues, were closed this week by Burroughs Company over concerns of structural safety.

Deborah Burroughs, vice president of the Burroughs Company, said the company hired an outside firm to conduct a safety inspection on a number of its properties in the downtown Conway area and along the riverfront.

“This firm was engaged to assess the need for sustained maintenance and upgrades to ensure that each property maintains a safe, accessible and functional part of the historical district,” Burroughs said in a prepared statement Friday. “Based on their findings, a recommendation was made to the board of directors that a structural engineer should be engaged to evaluate the structural integrity of The Sidewheeler, the Peanut Warehouse, the Lower River Warehouse and Tractor Shed.”

Burroughs said all events at each of the venues have been canceled through the end of April, and all others with registered events will be contacted with further information.

“We do not want to take any chances with people’s safety,” she said. “We regret any inconvenience this may cause our patrons and the people of Conway, however, safety is our chief concern. We look forward to making these venues accessible again in the very near future.”

The Sidewheeler, Peanut Warehouse and Lower River Warehouse are more than 100 years old and often served as blank canvasses – or open areas – for event organizers and wedding planners to decorate to their liking. The Peanut Warehouse also has “Strom’s Porch,” a porch named for former U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond. The Lower River Warehouse, some have said, is haunted and has been used for haunted house trips in the past.

Burroughs said the company will do what it can to re-open the properties when they are deemed safe.

“The historical district is a very important part of Conway and the safety of the individuals utilizing these facilities for functions and their guests is very important to Burroughs Company,” Burroughs said.